North Carolina guard Leslie McDonald cleared to play (NCAA still evil)

Nov 17, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Leslie McDonald (2) and guard P.J. Hairston (15) sit on the sideline during the second half of their loss to the Belmont Bruins at Dean E. Smith Student Activities Center. Belmont won 83-80. Mandatory Credit: Liz Condo-USA TODAY Sports

The North Carolina Tar Heels got an early holiday present via the NCAA. The governing body — after ruling on everything else in the history of history — has finally announced that Leslie McDonald is cleared to play for the team as soon as Roy Williams decides he wants to. Which is to mean, like, now.

The NCAA has also issued a statement which states that P.J. Hairston’s eligibility has not yet been reviewed:

"“ At this time, McDonald’s reinstatement request is the only one the NCAA has received from North Carolina.”"

All of that is really just a weird, roundabout way of saying to not hold your collective breathes on Hairston becoming eligible at any point during this particular season. Which also means, at least probably, that Hairston might forgo next year’s college season and enter the NBA Draft. Considering that Hairston could have declared last year, but didn’t, just shows why some of these guys — outside of just money — decide to go pro as soon as humanly possible. The NCAA will devour all things student-athlete-soul related and not care of consequence.

Sorry. I apologize for the min-rant.

In total, Leslie McDonald missed nine games and (for some reason) has to pay $1,783 to the charity of his choice. That is his punishment for receiving impermissible benefits. A fine, basically. Granted, it can be for a good cause. But let us be real for a second. He is an unpaid, laborer for the NCAA. So, um, yeah? Make him pay something?

In closing, I hate the NCAA.